SUICIDE IN THE ELDERLY

Abstract

Suicide and suicidal acts are a major cause of morbidity and mortality throughout the world. Strategies that target the detection and treatment of individuals at high risk of suicidal behaviour are an essential element of any comprehensive prevention strategy. Strategies that target high-risk populations alone are insufficient ; they must be complemented by population-based strategies that target vulnerable individuals and groups prior to the development of suicidal crises and entry into the clinical care system – or death. Survey data from representative samples of the general population yield information that is essential to the design and ongoing evaluation of those strategies. This review reinforces the importance to the determination of suicide risk in the elderly and prevention not only of psychiatric illness, but of physical and psychosocial risk factors as well.